Euronews

Tensions over tiny islands in the East China Sea may flare up again after members of a Japanese nationalist group sailed close to the disputed territory.

The nationalists from the group Ganbare Nippon did not land on the islands claimed as Senkaku by Japan and Diaoyu by China, but did say they wanted to send a message.

“China keeps on coming into Japan’s territorial waters and sailing around the Senkaku islands, so we’re here to demonstrate our ownership. If nobody does anything, then Japan’s going to be in serious danger,” said one member.

Prized by both countries the tiny, uninhabited islands may contain oil deposits and are close to maritime oil and gas fields. Their waters are also rich in fishing stocks.

Disputes over the islands have previously sparked protests in Tokyo and Beijing.